Trying to upgrade the catching position during a pennant race, the Astros acquired the Cubs' backstop for Luis Gonzalez and Scott Servais. He batted .250 with one homer in 15 games during 1995 then hit .213 with six homers the next year before being dealt to San Francisco for Kirt Manwaring.

Closing out his 11-year career, Wilkins caught for the Mariners, Mets, Dodgers, Cardinals and Padres. Overall, he batted .244 with 81 homers.